Dr. Rippe's Blog

As the slow economy drags on, most people are feeling more stress at work these days. Uncertain times can increase anxiety about job security and possible layoffs even if you are reasonably sure that your job is secure. Reduced work forces can increase the work load on remaining workers. Hanging on to the job you have rather than seeking advancement may also be stressful. Whatever the reasons for work-related stress, there are at least three things you can do to better manage.

• Stay active physically. Getting regular physical activity has been shown repeatedly to help improve mood and reduce stress. It's also a visible way to remind yourself that you are doing something important for yourself.
• Stick with a healthy diet. Feeling stressed-out may make us reach for calorie-laden comfort foods and snacks. You'll feel better if you stay on track with balanced eating. If you really do need a few more snacks, keep fruit and other nutrient-rich (not calorie rich) foods handy.
• Get plenty of sleep and rest. Worry can lead to sleepless nights. But getting enough sleep can help you cope better.  Regular physical activity and eating right can help you sleep better. Also go slow on alcoholic beverages.

These three practices can be a great foundation for better coping with work-related stress (or any kind of stress). For more insights and tips, Stress at Work from HelpGuide.org has good information.

In the past week or so, we've beening experiencing record-breaking heat in the Northeast as temperatures even hit 100 degrees. Extreme heat can pose problems for everyone, but it's particularly difficult and even dangerous for many older people or people with certain health conditions and for young children.  For that reason, I want to remind us all today of some hot weather safety tips.

• Dress in cool clothes. That seems like a no-brainer. But as we get older our bodies have a harder time regulating temperature (that's why some older people may be dressed in sweaters when the rest of us are sweating!). So if you take care of an older family member or friend, check that they are not too warmly dressed.
• Seek air-conditioning if possible. If your home is air-conditioned, that's not a problem. If not, perhaps purchasing a small window unit is affordable. Using fans to circulate air also helps. In hot weather, particularly in cities, many public venues such as libraries, recreation centers, senior centers or special heat shelters offer cool places to stay during the hottest parts of the day.
• Drink plenty of water. Keeping the body properly hydrated is the best defense against heat illness. Water or non-alcoholic drinks will work.
• Stay out of the sun and out of the heat during the hottest hours of the day, usually between about 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Exercise in the cooler times of the day. That's usually early morning.  Depending on your geographical location, evening may cool down also.  If you can't exercise outdoors at cooler times, then substitute a cooler venue, such as walking at an indoor mall, or skip your routine on the hottest days. 
• Keep pets indoors and give them plenty of water, too.

For more tips, see this helpful info sheet Extreme Heat: a Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety from the Centers for Disease Control.

Taking a walk yesterday with our family's golden labs reminded me, as always, about how important pets can be to human well-being. Even though the Northeast has been trapped in an usually high heat wave, the dogs and I enjoyed getting out among the trees, tossing some sticks, and playing a bit. Such moments are a welcome break in my hectic schedule and give me brief moments of relaxation and enjoyment that refresh me as I go back to work.

Research has shown that over 90% of people who have pets consider them valuable members of the family. And like good friends and family, pets provide emotional support and companionship. In some studies, having a pet has been shown particularly to enhance the quality of life of older people who live alone in the community. Personally, I discovered the value of animal companionship during a period early in my life when I was working as a potter and managing an art pottery studio in an isolated setting. My Lab provided physical company and emotional support. Research has also shown that the social support provided by our pets helps reduce the perception of stress.

So you might remember these benefits when you take time to play spontaneously with your pet or pets or when you think about giving in to your desire to have a pet for yourself or the family.